Upland Hills golf coarse

At Upland Hills Golf Course in California, a study was initiated to test the effects of CBX on a facility that was in excellent condition. Upland HIlls had a history of including biological formulations in their standard fertilization program and it was thought that their conditions were such that CBX was not needed. A control area was established with a CBX treated area adjacent to it. Soil samples were taken after the 6th week. The following test results from BBC Laboratories show the results of the study. (report available by request):

DEFINITIONS:

SRD: Species Richness Diversity (SRD) is a measurement of diversity that indicates the number of different species or different types of microorganisms that are present in a sample. In soil or compost, a high SRD promotes numerous interspecies relationships and inter-population interactions. Species richness diversity is important because it allows for a more varied and flexible response to environmental fluctuations and stress. For instance, those communities with more diverse microbial populations will be more likely to cope with disturbances and stress than those communities with low diversities.

Pseudomonads: These organisms, predominantly from the bacterial genus Pseudomonas, are very nutritionally versatile and capable of degrading many natural and synthetic organic compounds. These organisms are typically aerobic and contribute to the decomposition and nutrient release process by attacking a wide variety of organic substrates including humic acids and synthetic pesticides. Particular pseudomonads have been linked to the biological control of plant pathogens. Concentrations of pseudomonads in soil and compost range between 1 x 103 and 1 x 106 CFU/g.

Yeasts and Molds (Fungi): Soil fungi are found primarily in the top 4-6 inches of soil and are most abundant in well aerated soil. While some fungi are pathogenic to plants, many contribute to soil fertility by breaking down organic compounds including cellulose, lignin, and pectin as well as increasing phosphate uptake in plants. Fungi are also important in binding together fine soil particles to form water-stable aggregates, thereby improving the soil crumb structure. Fungi typically tolerate a low soil pH making them particularly significant in acidic soils.

Anaerobic Bacteria: Anaerobic bacteria are capable of growth without oxygen. The anaerobic bacteria enumeration is predominantly a count of facultative anaerobes, or those organisms that have the ability to live and grow both with and without oxygen. High numbers of anaerobic bacteria in the soil usually indicate soil that needs better aeration and is possibly waterlogged or too compact. (In turf, anaerobic bacteria are found in what is called "Black Layer").

A test on a Golf course green was conducted in which half of a green was inoculated with CBX plus CBXgrowth in addition to the current program and the other half was maintained under the ongoing fertility program. The following graphs are the soil test results between the two half's.

CONCLUSIONS:

The graphs above are of the elements of great importance to the health of the soil as well as for the plants and the roots of the plant. The test shows that soil released the nutrients and the soil increased in health. An increase in ERGS requires less nitrogen to grow the plants. Some other observations: Ca to Mg ratio improved

Phosphate and Potassium decrease indicating plant up take in these vital nutrients. Plants will look healthier and more vibrant because of these elements.

Sodium increased, an exchange has happened with the increase in Calcium. As the soil system biology is increased, the sodium can be tied up biologically and not effect the plants or flush from the root zone.

Copper: Copper is directly involved in chlorophyll production. It functions in a plant's metabolism by altering the stage of growth from vegetative to reproductive. It is concentrated in roots of plants.

Iron: Functions as a component in many plant enzyme systems and metabolizing RNA. It is essential in maintaining chlorophyll levels for plant growth and reproduction as well as playing a vital role in plant cells.

Zinc: Is a functional cofactor of a large number of enzymes including plant growth hormones. It is essential to carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and internodal elongation (stem growth). It is essential for plants to produce chlorophyll and the amino acid tryptophan.